170-Year-Old Ruins on San Diego River : Bill Would Fund Repairs to Padre Dam

SACRAMENTO — A face lift and some badly needed structural repairs on the historic ruins of Padre Dam, believed to be the West Coast's oldest waterworks facility, could begin this summer if the Legislature approves a $200,000 grant to the City of San Diego.

Assemblyman Larry Stirling (R-San Diego) said Tuesday that he expects little opposition next week in getting his bill to begin the restoration approved by the Assembly Committee on Water, Parks and Wildlife.

But Stirling said his bill could face considerable resistance later in the Ways and Means Committee, which must approve the expenditure.

Erosion is causing the still-standing sections of the almost 170-year-old stone-and-adobe structure to rapidly settle on the San Diego River bank. Severe structural damage could result if it is not shored up soon, city parks officials say.

Besides, the federal government, which deeded the dam to the city in 1964 on condition that it be maintained and used for recreational purposes, has begun pressuring local officials to do something.